Azadeh N. Noorivandi | Agricultural Extension | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azadeh N. Noorivandi |  Agricultural Extension | Best Researcher Award

Islamic Azad University, Iran

Azadeh N. Noorivandi is an Assistant Professor at the Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, with a strong research portfolio focused on agricultural extension, sustainable development, organic farming, and food security in Iran. Her work bridges the domains of agricultural education, innovation management, and rural development, often employing qualitative and structural modeling approaches such as SEM and AHP. Dr. Noorivandi has co-authored numerous high-impact papers in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, Discover Sustainability, and Biological Agriculture & Horticulture. She has contributed to advancing knowledge in agricultural startup ecosystems, learning organizations in cooperatives, science and technology parks, and performance management in extension services. Her interdisciplinary research has become a critical resource for shaping policies and practices in sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods in Iran.

Profile:

Citation Metrics (as of 2025):

  • Total Citations: 116

  • Citations since 2020: 63

  • h-index: 5

  • h-index since 2020: 4

  • i10-index: 3

  • i10-index since 2020: 1

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Role of extension and education programs in development of organic farming in Lorestan Province, Iran

  2. Agricultural start-up ecosystem: A model of entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iran

  3. Agricultural extension education model to household food security (AEE to HFS) in Khouzestan Province, Iran

  4. Designing the structural equation model (SEM) for improving marketing of organic products (MOP) in Lorestan Province, Iran

  5. Identifying and prioritizing performance management challenges in Iran’s agricultural extension and education

  6. Identifying and prioritizing performance management challenges in Iran’s agricultural extension and education

  7. Challenges of sustainable food security in Iran: Using grounded theory and AHP

  8. Designing a model to improve the role of science and technology parks in the development of agricultural technologies

  9. Qualitative analysis and prioritization of the challenges of sustainable agricultural development through grounded theory and AHP in Iran

  10. Designing a model of sustainable human resource development in agricultural extension and education organizations of Iran

  11. Identifying the conceptual model of sustainable food security with a resistance economy approach in the rural community of Khuzestan Province: A qualitative approach

  12. Identifying and prioritizing the challenges of sustainable livelihood of villagers in Dezful Township

  13. Identifying and prioritizing the challenges of organic farming development among farmers in Lorestan Province

  14. Identifying the barriers of science and technology parks (STPs) in the development of agricultural technology in Iran

  15. What should we do to make extension training a learning organization? A mixed approach in rural cooperatives of Alborz Province

  16. Learning organization model in agricultural cooperatives of Iran: A two-step approach to SEM based on DLOQ

  17. Learning organization model in agricultural cooperatives of Iran: A two-step approach to SEM based on DLOQ

  18. Qualitative analysis and prioritization of the challenges of sustainable agricultural development through grounded theory and AHP in Iran (Persian title translated)

  19. Application of SEM analysis for designing strategic model for agricultural sustainable development (ASD) in Iran

  20. Comparative analysis of the status of agricultural cooperative extension training in compliance with the learning organization in Iran

 

Yogita Patil | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms.Yogita Patil | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Student at H. V. Desai College Pune, Maharashtra, India

Ms. Yogita M. Patil is an experienced academician and researcher in the field of Microbiology with over 14 years of teaching and research experience. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at P.D.E.A’s Waghire College, Saswad, Pune, and serves as a Senior Research Fellow under SARTHI-CSMNRF since 2022.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Pursuing) – Savitribai Phule Pune University
    Research Topic: Techno-economic feasibility assessment of novel health-promoting probiotics from natural sources

  • M.Phil. in Microbiology – North Maharashtra University (Grade A)
    Dissertation: An Insight in the Methods to Establish Culture as Probiotic

  • M.Sc. & B.Sc. in Microbiology – North Maharashtra University

  • Qualified SET & ICAR-NET (Microbiology)

🧪 Research & Publications:

Ms. Patil has contributed to applied microbiological research, particularly in:

  • Probiotics & Gut Health

  • Soil Microbiology

  • Environmental Microbiology

📄 Notable Publications:

  • Improving the Gut Microbiota with Probiotics and FMTJ. Pure & Applied Microbiology (2021)

  • Soil Beneficial Bacteria Studies in Saswad & Ketkawale Regions (2017)

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience:

  • 🌟 14+ years of teaching and research experience

  • Assistant Professor (Microbiology) at P.D.E.A.’s Waghire College, Saswad – 8 years

  • Former lecturer at MJ College Jalgaon and Dnyansarita Institute

  • Currently a Senior Research Fellow (SARTHI CSMNRF) since 2022

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • 🥈 Multiple Second Prizes in National & International Poster Competitions (2006–2022)

  • 🥉 Third Prize – International Conference on Microbiology & Environmental Sciences (2021)

  • 🎯 Participant – Avishkar University Research Competition, SPPU Pune (2022)

💻 Skills:

  • Proficient in microbiology lab techniques and basic computer applications (MS-CIT certified)

  • Multilingual: Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi

Publication:

  • Improving the Gut Microbiota with Probiotics and Faecal Microbiota Transplantation
    Yogita M. Patil, Rajashree B. Patwardhan, Pragati S. Abhyankar
    Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp.

Zongho Kom | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zongho Kom |  Agricultural  | Best Researcher Award

University Of Venda,  South Africa

Dr. Zongho Kom holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Venda, South Africa, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Sciences. He is currently a Doctoral Fellow at the University of Venda, engaged in research, publications, and supervising postgraduate students. Dr. Kom has previously worked as a Project Administrator for the South Africa/Flander Climate Adaptation Research and Training Partnership and as a Coordinator of Conservation Technology in Chad.

 

Publication Profile

Educational Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Geography
    University of Venda, South Africa
  • Master of Environmental Sciences (Geography)
    University of Venda, South Africa
  • Bachelor of Environmental Sciences Honours (Geography)
    University of Venda, South Africa

Career History:

  • Doctoral Fellowship, University of Venda
    June 2021 – Present
    Responsibilities include conducting research, publishing findings, and supervising postgraduate students.
  • Project Administrator / Teaching Postgraduate, University of Venda
    South Africa/Flander Climate Adaptation Research and Training Partnership (SAF-ADAPT)
  • Coordinator of Conservation Technology, African Parks
    Chad (September 2020 – April 2021)
  • Administrator of GIS Certificate Course / Facilitator and Senior Tutor, University of Venda
    January 2013 – 2019
    Taught various environmental courses in Geography.

Research Interests:

Dr. Kom’s research focuses on climate change adaptation policies, environmental awareness, sustainable livelihoods, smallholder farming systems, indigenous knowledge systems, food security, and geospatial analysis.

Grants and Fellowships:

  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Venda
  • National Research Foundation (NRF) Doctoral Fellowship Grant
  • NRF Student Travel Grant for the American Association of Geographers (2017)
  • Travel grant for the International Geographical Union (2015)

Memberships:

  • South Africa for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
  • Society of South Africa Geographers (SSAG)

Publication Top Notes

  • Smallholder Farmers Multinomial Choice Analysis for Climate Change and Variability in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    Year: 2024 | Type: Book Chapter
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-2926-5_4
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau, Solomon E. Uhunamure, Sylvester Mpandeli, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Jacobus N. Steyn, Karabo Shale, Pindulo Ramasunga, Hector Chikoore
  • Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments Towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context
    Year: 2024-10-21 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.3390/su16209137
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe
  • The Use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Practices to Enhance Food Security in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2024-09 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1007/s40003-024-00716-8
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau, Shandukani C. Nenwiini
  • Climate Change, Food Security and Farmers’ Livelihoods: A Case Study in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    Year: 2024-05-14 | Type: Preprint
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4172452/v1
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau
  • Understanding Links Between Water Scarcity and Violent Conflicts in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin Using the Water Footprint Concept
    Year: 2024-02 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1029/2023EF004013
    Contributors: Elias Nkiaka, Robert G. Bryant, Zongho Kom
  • Indigenous Knowledge Indicators Employed by Farmers for Adaptation to Climate Change in Rural South Africa
    Year: 2023-11-10 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2022.2086854
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Sylvester Mpandeli, Hector Chikoore
  • Determinants of Small-scale Farmers’ Choice and Adaptive Strategies in Response to Climatic Shocks in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2022-04 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1007/s10708-020-10272-7
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, N. S. Nethengwe, N. S. Mpandeli, H. Chikoore
  • Climate Change Grounded on Empirical Evidence as Compared with the Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2020-08 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1177/0021909619891757
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Sylvester Mpandeli, Hector Chikoore

 

Aboubacar Diallo | Agri Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Aboubacar Diallo | Agri Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Aboubacar Diallo, AfricaRice, Mali

Aboubacar Diallo is a Malian researcher and consultant specializing in Climate Information Services (CIS). He is currently affiliated with the AICCRA project at AfricaRice in Mali, where he plays a key role in supporting climate-smart agriculture and advancing agricultural research. With extensive experience in agronomy, natural resource management, and climate resilience, Aboubacar has been instrumental in coordinating and implementing various research projects across Mali. His expertise includes data analysis, research proposal development, and impact assessments, particularly in the agricultural sector. Aboubacar is proficient in using tools such as SPSS, STATA, and QGIS for analyzing socio-economic data. He has also served as a technical officer and consultant on several studies related to cotton production, food security, and local governance in Mali.

Publication profile

Scopus

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

Aboubacar Diallo is a highly skilled researcher with extensive academic and professional experience in agronomy, natural resource management, and climate services. He has contributed to numerous research projects and consultations in Mali, focusing on agriculture, food security, and climate-smart practices.

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Coordinator & Technical Officer: Cashew Project (PAFAM), Mali (2020–2022)
    • Managed project activities, supported technical teams, and provided training.
  • Senior Researcher/Consultant: Agronomic Research Center (CRRA), Mali (2018–2020)
    • Developed research proposals and analyzed agricultural data.
  • Consultant/Associate Researcher: Numerous research projects on cotton quality, local governance, and food security (2015–2023).

🧠 Key Skills:

  • Expertise in research proposal writing, impact assessment, and data analysis (socio-economic and econometrics).
  • Proficient in software such as SPSS, STATA, QGIS, and KoboCollector for research and data processing.

🌱 Recent Consultations:

  • Better Cotton’s Climate-smart Agricultural Practices: Mali (2022–2023)
  • Cotton Quality Study: CMDT-Mali (2020)
  • Local Governance and Democracy Study: NIMD, Mali (2019)

🏆 Trainings & Certifications:

  • Workshop on Leadership Essentials (2018)
  • Borlaug Higher Education Conference on Agricultural Impact (2017)
  • Intensive English Training: University of Ghana (2016)

Publication Top Notes:

  • A gendered analysis of farmers’ access to and willingness to pay for climate information services: Evidence from rice farmers in Mali
  • Correction to: Climate change adaptation strategies, productivity and sustainable food security in southern Mali (Climatic Change, (2020), 159, 3, (309-327), 10.1007/s10584-020-02684-8)
  • Local knowledge of Saba senegalensis fruits against malnutrition in Mali
  • Climate change adaptation strategies, productivity and sustainable food security in southern Mali

Yeongmi Jang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Yeongmi Jang |  Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

PhD at  Chungnam National University, South Korea

Yeongmi Jang is a PhD candidate in the Department of Crop Science at Chungnam National University, Republic of Korea, expecting to complete her degree in August. Her research focuses on Ecology, and she has contributed to various scientific journals, including MDPI publications such as Plants, Agronomy, and Agriculture. Although she has not yet accrued professional work experience, her scholarly efforts have earned her a citation index of 19. Yeongmi is in the process of developing her professional network and contributions, with no current consultancy, publications, or patents to her name.

Profile:

Academic Background:

Yeongmi Jang will complete a PhD in August from Chungnam National University, focusing on Ecology. Although Yeongmi does not have work experience yet, their academic journey promises future contributions to the field.

Research Focus:

Yeongmi Jang’s research in agriculture predominantly explores the effects of environmental stressors and agronomic practices on crop growth and physiology. Key areas of investigation include the impact of long-term salinity stress on mono and mixed crops, and the role of magnesium and calcium sulfate in mitigating such stress in forage crops. Jang has also contributed to understanding the effects of planting density and nitrogen fertilization on forage rice growth in both reclaimed and conventional paddy fields. Additionally, their research addresses the optimal harvest times for maximizing forage value and yield of winter crops and forage rice in South Korea. This work aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in challenging environmental conditions.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Evaluating the Effects of Long-Term Salinity Stress on the Growth and Physiology of Mono and Mixed Crops
Journal: Agronomy
Date: 2024-01-27
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy14020287
Contributors: Khulan Sharavdorj; Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Yeongmi Jang; Youngjik Ahn; Jin-Woong Cho

2. Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth of Forage Rice in Reclaimed and General Paddy Fields
Journal: Plants
Date: 2023-12-19
DOI: 10.3390/plants13010013
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Khulan Sharavdorj; Youngjik Ahn; Jinwoong Cho

3. Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Growth of Forage Rice in Reclaimed and General Paddy Fields
Date: 2023-11-08
Preprint DOI: 10.20944/preprints202311.0454.v1
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Khulan Sharavdorj; Youngjik Ahn; Jinwoong Cho

4. Application of Magnesium and Calcium Sulfate on Growth and Physiology of Forage Crops under Long-Term Salinity Stress
Journal: Plants
Date: 2022-12-18
DOI: 10.3390/plants11243576
Contributors: Khulan Sharavdorj; Ser-Oddamba Byambadorj; Yeongmi Jang; Jin-Woong Cho

5. Growth and Forage Value of Two Forage Rice Cultivars According to Harvest Time in Reclaimed Land of South Korea
Journal: Agronomy
Date: 2022-12-08
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12123118
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Khulan Sharavdorj; Priscilla Nadalin; Suhwan Lee; Jinwoong Cho

6. Effects of Harvest Time on the Yield and Forage Value of Winter Forage Crops in Reclaimed Lands of Korea
Journal: Agriculture
Date: 2022-06-09
DOI: 10.3390/agriculture12060830
Contributors: Yeongmi Jang; Bumsik Choi; Khulan Sharavdorj; Suhwan Lee; Jinwoong Cho

 

Priya Lal Chandra Paul | Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Dr Priya Lal Chandra Paul |  Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Senior Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Irrigation and Water Management Division of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur, Bangladesh. With a profound interest in soil water and salinity dynamics, waterlogging mitigation techniques, and conservation agriculture, Dr. Paul has made significant contributions to agricultural science and water management.

 

Profile:

Education:

🎓 PhD in Agricultural Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia (2020).🎓 M.S. in Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2006).🎓 B. Sc. Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2004)

Professional Experience:

Senior Scientific Officer, BRRI (Dec 2014 – Present). Scientific Officer, BRRI (Aug 2009 – Dec 2014). Assistant General Manager, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) (Nov 2008 – Aug 2009). Assistant Manager, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) (Jul 2008 – Nov 2008). Agricultural Engineer, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture (Jul 2006 – Jul 2008)

Professional Development:

Dr. Paul has continually enhanced his expertise through various training programs and courses, including GIS and Remote Sensing in Smart Agriculture, Adaptive Delta Management, and Integrated Water Resource Management. 🌍

Awards and Fellowships:

🏆 ACIAR John Allwright Fellowship, Australia
🏆 TWAS-USM Fellowship, Malaysia
🏆 VLIR-UOS Training Scholarship, Belgium
🏆 National Integrity Strategy Award 2023, BRRI

Dr. Paul’s dedication to agricultural research and development is evident through his extensive involvement in projects aimed at mitigating climate risks and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems in Bangladesh. 🌱

Conservation Agriculture Research Focus 🌾

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is deeply engaged in research focused on conservation agriculture, emphasizing sustainable practices that enhance soil health, improve water use efficiency, and increase crop yields while reducing environmental impact. His key research areas in this domain include:

  1. Soil Water Conservation:
    • Investigating techniques to conserve soil moisture, crucial for sustaining crop growth in water-scarce regions.
    • Implementing mulching practices and other soil amendments to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
  2. Tillage Practices:
    • Exploring minimum tillage and no-till farming methods to reduce soil erosion and degradation.
    • Assessing the impact of different tillage practices on soil structure, water infiltration, and root growth.
  3. Crop Establishment in Saline-Wet Soils:
    • Developing strategies for successful crop establishment in challenging saline and waterlogged soils, typical in coastal regions.
    • Evaluating salt-tolerant crop varieties and appropriate planting techniques to mitigate salinity effects.
  4. Conjunctive Use of Saline and Freshwater:
    • Studying the combined use of saline and freshwater resources to optimize irrigation practices.
    • Implementing water management strategies that balance the use of available water resources to maintain soil health and crop productivity.
  5. Water Saving Techniques:
    • Promoting the use of efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, to minimize water wastage.
    • Investigating alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques in rice cultivation to save water and improve water use efficiency.
  6. Conservation Agriculture in Coastal Agriculture and Hydrology:
    • Addressing the unique challenges faced by coastal agricultural systems, including salinity, waterlogging, and soil degradation.
    • Developing and promoting integrated water and soil management practices to enhance the resilience of coastal farming systems.

Dr. Paul’s research is instrumental in developing sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation, particularly in regions facing climatic and hydrological challenges. His work aims to provide practical solutions for farmers to adapt to changing conditions and maintain agricultural sustainability. 🌱

Citation Metrics 📊

  • Total Citations: 339 (since 2019: 312)
  • h-index: 11 (since 2019: 10)
  • i10-index: 12 (since 2019: 11)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Straw mulch and irrigation affect solute potential and sunflower yield in a heavy textured soil in the Ganges Delta
    • Agricultural Water Management 239, 106211 (2020)
    • Citations: 45
  • Banding of fertilizer improves phosphorus acquisition and yield of zero tillage maize by concentrating phosphorus in surface soil
    • Sustainability 10 (9), 3234 (2018)
    • Citations: 35
  • Variation in the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) due to differing tillage systems is associated with variation in solute potential of the soil solution in a salt-affected soil
    • Soil and Tillage Research 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 34
  • Impact of rice straw mulch on soil physical properties, sunflower root distribution and yield in a salt-affected clay-textured soil
    • Agriculture 11 (3), 264 (2021)
    • Citations: 29
  • Opportunities for cropping system intensification in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 28*
  • Optimum sowing window for boro cultivation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 22*
  • Refinement of alternate wetting and drying irrigation method for rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 17 (1-2), 33-37 (2013)
    • Citations: 22
  • Opportunities and risks with early sowing of sunflower in a salt-affected coastal region of the Ganges Delta
    • Agronomy for Sustainable Development 41 (3), 39 (2021)
    • Citations: 18
  • Water productivity improvement using water saving technologies in Boro rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 20 (1), 17-22 (2016)
    • Citations: 17
  • Triple rice in a year: Is it a feasible option for the low salinity areas of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 14*
  • Short-Term Waterlogging Depresses Early Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Saline Soils with a Shallow Water Table in the Coastal Zone of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Systems 5 (4), 68 (2021)
    • Citations: 12
  • Selection of Profitable Rice Based Cropping System Under Prevailing Water Environment in Satkhira District of Bangladesh
    • Academia Journal of Agricultural Research 4 (9), 581-588 (2016)
    • Citations: 11*
  • Early transplanting of rainfed rice minimizes irrigation demand by utilizing rainfall
    • Environmental Systems Research 10, 1-11 (2021)
    • Citations: 9
  • Impacts of different tillage systems on the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a salt-affected clayey soil of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Tillage Res 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 8
  • Rice-rice-rabi cropping systems for increasing the productivity of low salinity regions of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 8*
  • Agronomic practices increase sunflower yield in the rabi (dry) season in clay-textured, salt-affected soils of the coastal region of Bangladesh
    • Murdoch University (2020)
    • Citations: 4
  • Water productivity evaluation for rice based cropping system in Gazipur District of Bangladesh
    • Eco-friendly Agricultural Journal 6 (12), 279-284 (2013)
    • Citations: 4